Epic and Lego partner to build a metaverse for kids

  • A partnership between Fortnite developer Epic Games and Lego is seeking to create a virtual space in the metaverse aimed at children and families.
  • The partnership intends to “ensure that the next iteration of the internet is designed from the outset with the wellbeing of kids in mind”.
  • No more details have been revealed yet, but you can read our article on the metaverse to find out more about what it is.
  • You can read the full story on The Verge’s website.

YouTube testing stricter moderation system for comment spam

  • YouTube is testing a moderation feature that will “increase strictness” of review for potentially inappropriate comments.
  • This aims to combat the recent reports from YouTubers of malicious comments attempting to impersonate YouTubers.
  • These comments promise viewers a reward for messaging them privately, often on a different platform to scam them.
  • You can read the full story on The Verge’s website.

Google removes apps for secretly copying phone numbers

  • Google has removed more than a dozen apps from the Play Store that contained malicious code.
  • The code was harvesting user locations, phone numbers and email addresses.
  • Some of the apps had over 10 million downloads and included a weather app, a QR scanner and Muslim prayer apps.
  • You can read the full story on the BBC’s website.

44% of teachers in England plan to quit within five years

  • A poll by the National Education Union (NEU) found that nearly half of teachers (44%) in England plan to quit within five years.
  • Factors contributing to this decision included heavy workloads, high levels of stress and lack of trust from the public and government.
  • Two-thirds of secondary school teachers reported that the issue of vacant teaching assistant and support staff posts had worsened since March 2020.
  • You can read the full story on The Guardian’s website.